Achenes (commonly referred to as 'seeds') linear, black or dark brown, 1-1.5 cm long, flat, 4-angled, sparsely hairy. Pappus with 2-3(-5) yellowish barbed awns, 1-2 mm long. The achenes are the dispersal units; dispersion is aided by the awns as they readily attach to animal skin, machinery and clothing.